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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skydance Media

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Senior Gameplay AI Engineer Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is hiring a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. Remote ...

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$116.20 - $269.10/hr

What the Role Entails Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic senior gameplay engineer to join our new studio in Irvine, California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

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How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior gameplay programmer?

Senior Gameplay Programmers are experienced software developers who focus on creating and implementing the interactive elements of video games, such as controls, mechanics, and player interactions. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to bring the game's vision to life, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience. In addition to programming, they often mentor junior staff, participate in code reviews, and help shape the technical direction of the game. Their expertise is crucial in solving complex technical challenges and optimizing gameplay systems for performance and fun.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior gameplay programmer?

To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (typically in C++ or C#), a deep understanding of game mechanics, and several years of experience in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes a degree in computer science or related fields are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences and leading technical innovation within a game development team.

How does a senior gameplay programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you'll frequently work with designers, artists, and QA testers to bring gameplay features to life. Your role involves translating design concepts into functional game mechanics, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth integration with art and audio assets. Regular meetings and agile workflows are common, allowing you to provide technical input early in the feature design process and iterate quickly based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between creative and technical teams to ensure the game's vision is realized efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California?

For Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California look for?

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What cities in California are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:

Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Skydance Media

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Senior Gameplay AI Engineer

Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is hiring a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. Remote candidates are eligible with legal residence in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems
  • Drive technical direction for NPC gameplay systems and AI frameworks
  • Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship
  • Identify and resolve performance, scalability, and technical design challenges across gameplay systems
  • Partner closely with Design, Animation, Audio, and Production to define and drive AI feature goals
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance across cross‑functional gameplay initiatives
  • Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows
Requirements / Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience
  • Proven experience owning large gameplay or AI systems in a production environment
  • Experience architecting and implementing AI simulation systems and features from scratch using C++, Blueprints, and other tools
  • In‑depth knowledge of industry‑standard gameplay AI simulation systems, techniques and frameworks (e.g., Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI)
  • Demonstrated collaboration with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key AI behaviors and system tunings
  • Ability to take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive major implementation tasks
  • Extensive experience with Unreal Engine and its gameplay AI authoring tools, customizing and extending the base engine feature sets
  • Experience with animation techniques driving AI characters (e.g., Animation Blueprints, Montages, Control Rig, MotionMatching)
  • Self‑motivated and self‑directing, willing to pitch in areas beyond direct responsibilities
  • A passionate eye toward delivering quality and highly‑tuned game feel
  • Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practices
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong problem‑solving skills
Compensation

The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $150,000 – $180,000. The salary may vary based on location, qualifications, experience, and expertise. The range indicates base salary only and does not include bonus, benefits, or other compensation.

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